4 min read • Roofing Resources
One of the most frequently asked questions of homeowners is simple: how do I know if I need a new roof? The bad news is that a roof doesn’t fail out of the blue, it gives warning symptoms for months or years before it finally collapses. Knowing how to read those indications can mean the difference between tackling a minor problem and an interior leak, mold, and structural damage. Here are the top 7 signs that your roof in Northern VA might need replacing. If you have more than one, then it’s time to look closer.
Start Here
1. Your Roof’s Age
The first thing to consider is age. Most architectural asphalt roofs in our area have a life of 25-30 years, 3-tab roofs even less. Even if your roof appears to be in good shape from the outside, it’s time to take a look if it is 20 years or older. Uncertain about the amount of life yours has? We have a guide on how long do architectural shingles last that will tell you what to expect.
Sign Two
2. Curling, Cupping or Cracking Shingles
The shingles need to be flat and even. If they begin to curl at the edges, cup in the middle or crack, they are drying out and losing their water shedding function. If the curling is only in a few spots, it may just be a repair, but if the curling is throughout the roof, it is likely a roof replacement.
Sign Three
3. Granules in the Gutters
Those granules, like sand, help guard your shingles from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Shingles release granules as they age, building up in gutters and at downspouts. Some loss of granules is normal after the initial installation, but if the granules are falling heavily, and there are bare patches on the roof, then the shingles are on the verge of wearing out.
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4. Leaky Roof/Water Stains in Attic
Water is the obvious hazard of them all. Inspect attic and ceilings for:
- Water stains or streaks under roof deck.
- Light coming in through the roof boards.
- Insulation that is wet or smells of mold.
- Brown stains on upper level ceilings.
While one leak can be fixed, multiple leaks or large amounts of water indicate that the roof is likely to be in trouble.
Sign Five
5. Soft Spots or Sags
A roof line must be even and solid. If the surface feels saggy, dips or is spongy underfoot, it is indicative of water in the decking or a structural problem – and that’s not a wait and see situation. If the roof is sagging, it is a sign of trouble and requires professional attention.
Sign Six
6. Missing Shingles & Storm Damage
During the summer storms we have, it is not uncommon to notice missing, lifted or creased shingles. While some may be replaced, if storms continue to peel shingles off an old roof, the underlying material may be brittle. Multiple storm damage repairs to an aging roof is an excellent replacement indicator.
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7. Daylight, Drafts and Rising Energy Bills
When your attic is unusually bright and breezy, or your heating and cooling costs are on the rise, it’s possible your roof and its ventilation are no longer sealing and protecting the home as they should. The loss of a weather tight roof causes your HVAC system to operate more rigorously throughout the year, and an unexpected increase in your bills could be an early warning sign to check out.
The Numbers
Repair or Replace? How to Decide
20+ Yrs
Typical Roof Life
1–2 Signs
Often Just a Repair
3+ Signs
Lean Replacement
If you see one or two of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a full replacement — sometimes a targeted roof repair is the right and cost-effective call. It’s a matter of the roof’s age, the extent of the damage, and the numbers. To use a general guideline, if there is only one indicator of damage on a roof that still has several years remaining in its service life, then it’s a good idea to repair it, but if there are several indicators of damage on an older roof, it’s time to replace it. To get a complete framework, check out our roof repair vs. replacement guide that walks you through how to weigh your options.
Questions Homeowners Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
When damage is contained and the roof is relatively new a repair will likely be the most cost effective decision. When the roof is over 20 years old and the roof is damaged in many areas, or if there are multiple leaks or sagging, it is usually a better investment to replace the roof.
Some of the early signs include granules in the gutters, curling and missing shingles and minor stains in the attic. Early detection can lead to a smaller, less costly repair.
Yes. Many architectural shingle roofs last 30 years or more with proper maintenance, ventilation and installation.
A sagging roofline is a sign of possible damage or moisture and should be checked out immediately to prevent damage or safety hazards.
How Do I Know If I Need a New Roof? Get a Straight Answer
The only way to get a true answer to the question how do I know if I need a new roof is by having an inspection of your roof, not the driveway. Northern Virginia homeowners can count on Summit Roofing to provide them with an honest assessment and not the sales pressure for more than 40 years. Request your free roof inspection today or call (703) 335-7788.